02 Jul 2015

Minister of Trade and Industry, who is also the coordinator of the SADC EPA Group, Mr Vincent Seretse met with his counterpart in the European Union, Commissioner for Trade, Ms Cecilia Malmstrom on June 26.

A press release from the ministry stated that they discussed conclusion of the process towards the signing and ratification of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the upcoming World Trade Organisation 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and other trade issues of mutual interest to the two parties.

It states that on the EPAs, the minister and the commissioner reiterated their full commitment to the conclusion of the process leading to the signature, ratification, and subsequently entry into the force of the EPA.

The release states that they recognised the vast amount of work done thus far, namely, the negotiation of the agreement and the ongoing legal scrubbing of the agreement.

On her part, the commissioner said the EU has set aside funds to assist the SADC states in implementing the EPA upon its entry into force and that Botswana was eligible to benefit to the tune of Euro 2.6 million (P28.8 billion). She thus urged Botswana to come up with proposals to motivate for the release of the funding.

In closing, says the release, the parties made an in-principle agreement that when the time for signing comes, Botswana will be considered as the preferred host for the ceremony.

According to the release, on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 10th Ministerial Conference, the minister and the commissioner indicated their sincere hope and commitment that the Nairobi conference will come up with meaningful outcomes relating to. Ends